On the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti (14 January 2021) Vishwa Hindu Parishad UK (VHP) launches the new Hindu Mandir Network in the UK to increase networking, cooperation and collaboration between Hindu mandirs in the UK.
Dr Tribhovan Jotangia, President of VHP UK said, “Hindu Mandir Network (HMN) is a project of VHP UK and is formed after the very positive feedback received for such regular events in the UK following the historic first Hindu Mandir Executives Conference (HMEC) UK conference in October 2020. HMN is a network of Hindu mandirs to support and learn from each other – It is NOT a separate national organisation. “
The main aims and objectives of HMN are:
- To work as a networking group to inform, educate, assist and strengthen the mandir as an institution to preserve, promote and protect Hindu Dharma, Hindu ideals and traditions in a multicultural society.
- To cooperate and collaborate with national bodies like Hindu Forum of Britain, Hindu Council UK and National Council of Hindu Temples and others for the benefit of the Hindu community. HMN will also network with similar bodies in USA and other parts of the world.
- To NOT interfere or get involved in internal matters of mandir management or its activities.
As a network HMN will work through a team of regional coordinators for a regional network of mandirs to support and learn from each other. A national coordinator and an advisory team make up the central HMN team with support from technical and other experts as required.
HMN Activities
Based on the feedback from the HMEC conference, HMN plans to organise regular webinars, physical meetings or online sessions on topics and issues relevant to Hindu mandirs. In addition HMN will endeavour to provide resources and/or signpost to information to mandirs for their benefit and enhancement.
Dr Jotangia concluded, “Hindu Shiksha (knowledge of Hindu Dharma), Hindu Sanskar (development of good values) and Hindu Suraksha (protection of Hindu society) are the three major components of the work of VHP. Mandirs are central places for the Hindu society and we need to make them strong and ready to face the many challenges that affect us. The mandirs have a great role to play in building a very positive narrative of Hindus in this country through our unique cultural values and contributions which are visible, acceptable and respectable. HMN will help in that task.”
Hindu Mandirs are invited to connect with HMN and participate in the future activities as they become available. Contact can be made through the regional coordinators or by email to info.hmnuk@gmail.com.
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Mandirs play an important role in British Hindus lives. As long as the management performs with joined-up thinking via such a network, this will be a positive move. The elephant in the room however is the sheer lack of visibility of Hindus in spite of their great strides in all sectors in this country becoming the net contributors whether in media or politics simply giving the other side a field day to promote their narrative.
As it is VIshwa Hindu Parishad, do you allow immigrant Hindus join your organisation and do sewa?